Champions League Predictions
Champions League 24/25 Predictions
The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League will see significant changes compared to previous seasons. This will be the first season to implement a new Single League Format, which is designed to replace the traditional group stage format.
The summary of the key phases is noted below, as well as predictions for the ‘Top Eight’ in the new League phase of the Champions League.
Bet on the Champions League with William Hill
Summary of Key Phases:
- League Phase: 36 teams, 8 matches each.
- Top 8: Advance to the Round of 16.
- Playoffs: Games between 9th to 24th place to fill the remaining Round of 16 spots.
- Traditional Knockouts: Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.
Top Eight Prediction
1) Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich can top the Champions League table with their fixtures due to a combination of winnable games and their overall squad strength. Matches against Dinamo Zagreb, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Slovan Bratislava offer strong opportunities for points. Despite challenging away fixtures against Barcelona and Aston Villa, Bayern’s firepower, led by Harry Kane, and their tactical prowess provide an advantage in single-match scenarios. Hosting Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica at home also plays to their strengths. With a balanced fixture list and formidable squad depth, Bayern can secure crucial wins, and at 8/1 to be League Stage winners, they offer real value. Bayern Munich are 12/1 to win the Champions League outright.
2) Real Madrid
Real Madrid are likely to finish high up the table, with second place a strong prediction, potentially just behind Bayern Munich, perhaps even on goal difference. Despite some challenging fixtures, their dominance in European football makes them a formidable opponent. Hosting Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and RB Salzburg should favour Madrid, while away trips to Lille, Liverpool, Atalanta, and Brest present tougher tests. However, with their wealth of experience and quality, they will be a very difficult team to beat. Real Madrid’s consistency across this balanced but demanding schedule will likely secure them a top-two finish in the league phase. Real Madrid are 5/1 to win the league stage and 10/3 to win the whole competition.
3) Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen are predicted to finish high up the league table, following their impressive 51-game unbeaten run last season, which only ended in the Europa League final against Atalanta. They’ve shown they are tough to beat in one-off games, making it difficult for opponents to take all three points. While the Bundesliga champions haven’t started this season as strongly, their fixture list doesn’t suggest many clear losses. They have the strength to at least draw against most sides. Matches against Liverpool, AC Milan, and Atlético Madrid are tough, but Leverkusen’s resilience should help them secure vital points throughout. Bayer Leverkusen are 5/4 to finish within the top 8 of the league stage.
4) Arsenal
Arsenal have yet to truly make their mark in the Champions League, despite their impressive domestic form in recent years. Last season, Mikel Arteta’s men were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, highlighting the difference between a team experienced in tournament football and one still learning. If Arsenal can translate their Premier League form into Europe, this could be their breakthrough year. Though their fixtures are tough, key matches like Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates offer hope. With winnable games against Shakhtar, Dinamo, and Girona, it’s hard to see Arsenal outside the top eight automatic qualifying spots; they are 4/9 to finish in them.
5) Manchester City
Manchester City are predicted to finish 5th, which may seem low given their quality, but their fixtures are particularly tough. Key matches include away games against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, both difficult challenges. City will also be competing deep in four competitions, and midweek away fixtures could take their toll on Pep Guardiola’s squad. The PSG match is where they might drop points, but City’s strength makes it hard to count them out entirely. While it’s easy to underestimate them compared to last season, their overall dominance still makes them favourites to win the Champions League at 5/2.
6) Juventus
Juventus are predicted to finish sixth in the Champions League stage due to a challenging but balanced fixture list. Home games against PSV Eindhoven, Stuttgart, and Benfica present good opportunities for points, while away matches against Leipzig, Lille, and Aston Villa pose tougher challenges. Hosting Manchester City will be their hardest test, but Juventus are strong at home. While they may struggle away, their European pedigree should give Thiago Motta’s men a strong chance of qualifying. With a mix of difficult and winnable games, Juventus are expected to secure enough points to finish high in the table and are 5/2 to qualify automatically for the last 16 by finishing in the top eight.
7) FC Barcelona
Barcelona are predicted to finish seventh in the league stage, securing a top 8 spot, due to their renewed determination and versatility in winning games. In their opening four domestic matches, they showcased both emphatic dominance, with a 7-0 victory over Valladolid, and gritty resilience, winning 2-1 in the other three. This ability to win in different ways, along with their attacking prowess, will be crucial in tough fixtures against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Benfica. With manageable fixtures like Young Boys and Brest, Barcelona have the balance to accumulate enough points to finish high in the standings and are 4/5 to finish in the top eight.
8) Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain are predicted to secure the final automatic spot in the Champions League table due to their consistent group-stage performances and the potential benefits of the new format. Despite never having won the Champions League, PSG have traditionally excelled in the group stages. Their fixtures include winnable games against Girona, PSV Eindhoven, and Salzburg, which should help them accumulate crucial points. While challenging matches against Arsenal, Atlético de Madrid, and Manchester City will test their resolve, PSG’s squad depth and experience in European competitions could prove decisive. This revamped format might be the key to revitalising their ambitions and ensuring a top-eight finish (6/5).
